Auctions

Hemmerle Jewels Fetch $1.4M at Sotheby’s Auction

AuctionsApr 26, 2021

Hemmerle Jewels Fetch $1.4M at Sotheby’s Auction

It marked the largest single-owner collection of jewels from the storied German jeweler.

20210426_Hemmerle header.jpg
Sotheby’s New York brought 19 Hemmerle jewels to the auction block last week, courtesy of the late philanthropist Michelle Smith.
New York—The largest single-owner collection of Hemmerle jewels hit the auction block at Sotheby’s New York Thursday afternoon.

“A Vision: Property from the Collection of Michelle Smith,” garnered $1.4 million for the Hemmerle collection, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $823,000, with 90 percent of lots selling above their high estimates.

The 19-piece collection belonged to the late philanthropist and art patron Michelle Smith.

She was the daughter of the renowned businessman, real estate developer, and philanthropist Robert Smith and artist Clarice Smith.

 Related stories will be right here … 

A businesswoman in her own right, Smith served as the vice president of product design and development for Charles E. Smith Residential Realty and its successor, Archstone-Smith.

“Michelle Smith’s vision is epitomized in her jewelry collection, telling the story of a woman who, when she decided she liked a certain style or maker, explored and collected in depth,” said Sotheby’s.

20210426_Hemmerle studs.jpg
A pair of Hemmerle copper and diamond ear studs sold above estimate for $201,600.


The standout was a pair of copper and diamond ear studs, featuring two old European-cut diamonds weighing 8.81 and 8.80 carats. The pair sold for $201,600, surpassing its $100,000 to $150,000 estimate.

20210426_Hemmerle ring1.jpg
This bronze and colored diamond ring was among the top lots, selling for $176,400.


A bronze and colored diamond ring, set with an 8.05-carat, cushion-cut, light yellowish brown diamond sold for $176,400, more than double its pre-sale estimate

Hemmerle has been known to craft jewelry from out-of-the-ordinary materials, including iron and antique artifacts.

20210426_Hemmerle ring2.jpg
This aluminum and diamond ring showcases Hemmerle’s use of unusual metals. It sold for $151,200.


One such piece, an aluminum and fancy deep brownish greenish yellow diamond ring, sold for $151,200, soaring past the $35,000 to $45,000 estimate.

20210426_Hemmerle necklace.jpg
This necklace, featuring fossilized sea urchin, sold for $32,760.


A bronze and fossilized sea urchin necklace sold for $32,760, more than double the low-end of its $15,000 to $25,000 estimate.

20210426_Hemmerle cuff.jpg
This cuff bracelet, set with peridot and tourmaline, sold for $60,4800.


A brass, wood, peridot, and tourmaline cuff bracelet sold for $60,480, just above the high-end of its $40,000 to $60,000 estimate.

It’s the largest private collection of jewels from the German jeweler seen at auction since a 2019 Sotheby’s auction.

Hemmerle was founded in 1893 in Munich by brothers Joseph and Anton Hemmerle.

Alongside Hemmerle, “A Vision: Property from the Collection of Michelle Smith” also featured lots from Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Bulgari, Suzanne Belperron, René Boivin, and Graff.

The Latest

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Natural Diamond Council Diamond Learning Center Graphic
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning Center

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from Members

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

Technology Therapy Group logo
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry Retailers

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

Catbird Chicago
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to Chicago

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through Love

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert and Rose-Marie Goodman outside Robert Goodman Jewelers
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-Up

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

Womens Jewelry Association WJA logo
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter President

The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing Diamonds

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.

Bulgari Eden the Garden of Wonders ad
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 Percent

LVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.

Screenshot from new Jon Hamm series on Apple TV+, Your Friends and Neighbors
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+

The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy